No | FAQ | Answer |
1 | How do I check if I am compliant? | To determine if you are compliant, you can:
|
2 | How do I contact SARS? | There are various options available to contact SARS, i.e.
Visit the SARS Home page, ‘Contact Us’ for any other options |
3 | What documents do I need to register for VAT? | Refer to the Guide for Completion of the VAT Application (VAT-Reg-02-G01) for a detailed list of supporting documents that must be submitted with VAT Registration application. For more information refer to “Register for VAT” |
4 | How long does it take to get a VAT number once the application has been completed and submitted? | SARS will issue a VAT reference number immediately if no risk was identified. For more information click on – “How to register for VAT on eFiling” |
5 | How do I know/establish whether a person is indeed registered for VAT? | Access the VAT vendor search option available on the VAT page. Click on the link – “VAT vendor search” |
6 | What are the different channels to submit a VAT Return | VAT returns can be submitted via the eFiling channel or via a SARS branch (by appointment). |
7 | How do I submit my VAT return | Preferred method: vendors may submit the VAT return via eFiling on or before the last business day of the month following the end of the tax period. Alternatively, via any SARS branch on or before the 25th (or the last business day before the 25th) following the end of the tax period. |
8 | What is a PRN? | Payment Reference number (PRN) is a unique number that must be used by a vendor when making a VAT payment. It is generated by SARS and linked to each tax period. |
9 | Is there a penalty charged for late submission of a VAT return? | Currently, there is no penalty imposed on the late submission of a VAT return, A 10% penalty is imposed on the late payment of VAT. |
10 | How long will it take to receive my VAT refund? | If a vendor is entitled to a VAT refund, SARS is required to pay that VAT refund within 21 business days after receiving the correctly completed VAT return or all required supporting documents for the VAT refund, without having to pay any interest on that VAT refund. |
11 | What are second-hand goods and will I be entitled to claim a deduction for VAT on the acquisition thereof? | With certain exceptions, second-hand goods are goods that were previously owned and used. For exceptions refer to the VAT 404 Guide for Vendors. In the case of the acquisition of second-hand goods under a non-taxable supply, a vendor may only deduct the notional input tax to the extent that payment of the consideration for the supply has been made by the vendor, regardless of whether that vendor is registered on the invoice or the payments basis. For more information on second-hand goods acquired under a non-taxable supply, please refer to the |
12 | How do I submit a dispute? | The Dispute Resolution Process is available on the SARS website, Legal Counsel. Click on the link – Dispute Resolution & Judgements |
13 | Where can I find the latest updates/changes relating to VAT? | All the latest updates/changes relating to VAT and any other taxes are available on the SARS website’s home page, ‘Latest News’ or VAT landing page, ‘What is new?’ |
14 | Where can I report VAT fraud? | You can report any fraud by accessing the SARS website’s home page, ‘Targeting Tax Crime’ and then click on link – ‘Report a tax crime’. |
The SARS website does not host old or withdrawn documents, except for Legal Counsel publications such as, published Proclamations, Regulations and Government Notices, as well as the archived VATNews.
The VATNews publications can be found in the Legal & Policy Archive, which is made available for research and reference purposes.
For further information on VAT…
Link to VAT Guides
Contact Us
GEN-ELEC-04-G01 – Guide for completing the Value Added Tax VAT201 Declaration – External Guide
GEN-ENR-01-G02 – Guide for Submission of Third Party Data Using the HTTPS Channel – External Guide
LAPD-Gen-G01 – Taxation in South Africa
LAPD-Gen-G02 – Guide for Tax Rates Duties Levies
LAPD-Gen-G08 – Guide on the Taxation of Professional Sports Clubs and Players
LAPD-IT-G19 – Comprehensive Guide to Dividends Tax
LAPD-IT-G21 – Guide on the Taxation of Foreigners working in South Africa
LAPD-IT-G24 – Guide on Mutual Agreement Procedures
LAPD-TAdm-G01 – Short Guide to the Tax Administration Act 2011
LAPD-VAT-G01 – VAT 403 Vendors and Employers Trade Classification Guide
LAPD-VAT-G02 – VAT 404 Guide for Vendors
LAPD-VAT-G03 – VAT 409 Guide for Fixed Property and Construction
LAPD-VAT-G04 – VAT 411 Guide for Entertainment Accommodation and Catering
LAPD-VAT-G05 – VAT 412 Guide for Share Block Schemes
LAPD-VAT-G06 – VAT 413 Guide for Estates
LAPD-VAT-G07 – VAT 414 Guide for Associations not for Gain and Welfare Organisations
LAPD-VAT-G08 – VAT 419 Guide for Municipalities
LAPD-VAT-G09 – VAT 420 Guide for Motor Dealers
LAPD-VAT-G10 – VAT 421 Guide for Short Term Insurance
LAPD-VAT-G11 – VAT Rulings Process Reference Guide
LAPD-VAT-G12 – VAT and PAYE NonExecutive Directors FAQs on BGRs 40 and 41
LAPD-VAT-G13 – Pocket Guide on the VAT rate increase on 1 April 2018
LAPD-VAT-G14 – VAT FAQs Increase in the VAT Rate from 1 April 2018
LAPD-VAT-G15 – VAT Quick Reference Guide for Non-Executive Directors
LAPD-VAT-G16 – VAT FAQs Supplies of electronic services
LAPD-VAT-G17 – VAT Reference Guide for Foreign Donor Funded Projects
SPPOA – Special Power of Attorney – External Form
TPPOA – Special Power of Attorney to Tax Practitioner – External Form
VAT 411 – Guide for Entertainment Accommodation and Catering – External Guide
VAT-ELEC-01-G01 – Manage Value Added Tax on Imported Services – External Guide
VAT-REG-02-G01 – Guide for Completion of VAT Application – External Guide
VAT-REG-02-G02 – Foreign Suppliers of Electronic Services – External Guide
VAT101 – Value Added Tax Registration Application – External form
VAT101D – Application for Registration of Diesel Refund – External Form
VAT102 – Application for separate registration VAT – External form
VAT102D – Application for Registration of Diesel Refund – External Form
VAT117 – Application for Change in Accounting Basis – External Form
VAT119i – Indemnity iro VAT Act Bank Details – External Form
VAT121 – Application for Category E – External Form
VAT123D – Application for the Cancellation of Diesel Registration of a Person – External Form
VAT123T – Application for Cancellation of a Separately Registered Enterprise – External Form
VAT125 – Declaration by Representative Vendor – External Form
VAT128 – Confirmation of Partnership – External Form
VAT201 – Vendor Declaration – Sticky Notes
VAT202e – Notice of Change of Tax Period iro the Submission of a Return VAT 201 – External Form
VAT215 – Record in respect of Imported Services – External Form
VAT216 – Return iro Goods Sold for Settlement of Debt of Holder of the Goods – External Form
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